Revealing How Often I Actually Clean My Daily Historical Clothes
Вставка
- Опубліковано 22 тра 2024
- There does not seem to be much information on UA-cam regarding the way dressmakers clean their historical clothing, and how often. There's even less information about how someone who wears historical clothes every day keeps up with their garment care.
For this reason, I thought it was important to have this resource available not only to those who might be curious but also for those who are overwhelmed by the mysterious process and perhaps would like to know how to clean their own historical or historically-inspired wardrobes.
This garment covers every single layer of my daily wardrobe; from shift/chemise to corset/stays, to petticoat upon petticoat upon petticoat. I explain my personal process, along with frequency of cleaning. People have had to develop systems for cleaning their clothes all throughout history, and while cleaning historical clothing may seem time-consuming and inconvenient, in reality, the process isn't so much more complicated, it is just different. By creating a routine, it is possible to make cleaning a historical wardrobe systematic and therefore straightforward.
Thank you so much for watching and for your continued support and viewership!
Yours, etc.
V. Birchwood
How to make your own dress shields (article): historicalsewing.com/how-to-b...
Social Media:
Patreon - / vbirchwood
Instagram - / vasibirchwood
Facebook - / vbirchwoodhistorical
Business Inquiries - vbirchwood@helmtalentgroup.com
Time Stamps:
0:00 Title Sequence & Why I Made This Video
1:43 Main Points
3:43 Chemise & Shift
5:03 Stockings
6:23 Drawers & Bloomers
6:34 Under Petticoat & Petticoat
7:59 Corsets, Stays, & Jumps
10:12 Chemisettes, Shirtwaists, Garibaldi Shirts, & Corset Covers
10:43 Bum Pads, Hip Improvers, Bum Rolls, etc.
11:09 Outergarments
16:17 Other Ways I Keep My Clothing Clean
17:06 Final Words & End Screen
Music is all lawfully sourced from Epidemic Sound.
Works Cited: (All in the Public Domain or CC)
Laundry/Cleaning Title Sequence Clips:
-archive.org/details/Southern1947
-archive.org/details/Townandt1950
-archive.org/details/Suds_1920
By John Francis Dillon, Attribution 3.0 CC, “Suds”
-archive.org/details/CEP188
-archive.org/details/TimeSave1936
-archive.org/details/industry-...
-archive.org/details/Report_Fr...
Outer Garments Examples:
-www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
-www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
-www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Dress Sheild Ad:
-McBride's Magazine. United States, J.B. Lippincott and Company, 1894. (Pg. 31)
Daily Stockings:
-The Private Soldier; Or Instructions to the Militia, Volunteers,&c. for -Cleaning Their Arms, Accoutrements, and Every Other Requisite Information for the Service. By an Officer. United Kingdom, Lane, Newman,&Company, 1804.
-hdl.handle.net/2027/nyp.33433... Pg. 118
Silk Corset:
-www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Chemise and Corset:
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi... U. S. patent no. 188007, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Working Class:
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi... Illustration from Klædedragter i København (Costumes in Copenhagen) published by Johannes Senn and the copper plate engraver G. L. Lahde between 1817-20., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Victorian Perfume:
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
Shirting Layers:
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wo...
www.metmuseum.org/art/collect... - Навчання та стиль
Also historically, many an apron or other protective layer was worn over a gown to protect the gown.
Very true! I don’t wear tons of aprons myself, but they are a super practical and important layer.
A thing about skirt lengths:
What many people don't realise that the long skirts rule really only applies to western Europe, its colonies and/or more eastern cities. Especially in some eastern European rural areas, the hems went flying up so fast that at least by 1840 they ended mid-calf, sometimes even barely under the knee (looking at you Moravia).
So, yea, if you don't fancy long skirts, there's always a loophole.
Anyway, I loved the video! I feel a bit dirty now, as some of my petticoats haven't been washed in months... But then again, they smell fine and aren't directly in contact with skin.
Very true, and a great reminder! I am an ethnic minority (Tatar) and a lot of our traditional dress includes rather short skirts as well. The same goes for many other traditional Russian folk styles! So you're spot on with what you say (at least from my own anecdotal observation 😅)
There's nothing dirty about wearing petticoats for months! Every person has a schedule that works for them, and that's all that matters. And as you say, they smell fine and there's no direct skin contact 😊
I read in How to be a Victorian that the most common perfume scent in the era was a combination of bergamot and lemon, personal taste impacting the ratio. It is a lovely way to smell like the time period.
Thanks! I actually wear both quite a lot already coincidentally! 😅
@@VBirchwood after reading about it I had to get the essential oils myself. My favourite is the bergamot which I keep in a roll on dispenser.
As far as wanting to smell a real historical perfume, Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City gives that opportunity. A lost steamboat was located in an old river bend (now a farm field) and since it was submerged in water and buried in mud, no heat, light, or air reached the contents. The steamboat went down loaded with restocking goods for general stores, so there's a wide range of goods being preserved and displayed, perfume included. They were able to analyze it and recreate it and now you can spritz yourself and smell history!
This is super cool, thanks for the suggestion!
I use shift like garments under my blouses, so that I don't have to wash them after every single use.
My petticoats don't even get dirty that fast, so that's great.
And for when I'm at home, I started wearing aprons, and that's amazing!!!!
Though, house dresses, skirts and tops do get smelly way faster. I do make those out of cotton, so they take up washing really well ^^
OH yeah, I forgot to mention the obvious: I have different sets of garments for when I go out and when I stay at home. So, when I come back home, I immediatelly change into house clothes, so that the pretty outdoor ones don't get dirty and damaged. (it also helps with comfort, especially around the waist)
Ah that’s awesome, you have a wonderful system 😊
I would get killed by my mum for wearing outside clothes or my school uniform at home. We always had to change into our house clothes as soon as we got home, since the outside clothes are more expensive and therefore will last longer.
But house clothes are more comfortable and warm too.
Come to think of it though... now we're all adults.. mum wears her outside clothes quite frequently round the house 🤔🤨 lol
16:49 ..... I have a piece of early Victorian jewelry (brooch) which opens and the perfume is intact. The smell is ....rose petals, oils, and a slight pinch of mint combined giving off an aroma which fills the room, the opposite side of the brooch is a young woman circa 1840.
That must be lovely!
Even with my modern clothing, I don't always wash my pants or shirts after every wear, not unless I get them dirty or sweaty.
I do eventually want to make and wear historical clothing and would make similar practical choices in how I make my garments. I would also go for mostly linen, cotton, and wool. Those natural fibers can be washed at home which makes them more easily cared for.
I think I would only use silk if I was going to an event.
Exactly! I think I read somewhere that a lot of the laundry that goes into a hamper isn't even all that dirty. Of course things like linens and towels need extremely frequent washing, but I wonder about the garments that get less prolonged use (than bed sheets for instance).
Linen, cotton, and wool are all great choices. Silk can be worn day-to-day but it comes with it's cons, like having to be more mindful of food etc. And plus it doesn't hold up all that well to the rain without a protective wool coat or something similar, so I can understand why you'd just choose silk for events 😊
Vodka makes a great starch, I use it in my heirloom sewing, and I know many quilters who use it in their blocks to get super crisp and flat seams.
Ooo this is really great to know! Thanks for the tip
I have zero issues laying out a lot of clothes and wearing them again the next day (or another day) if I haven't sweated in them or gotten them visibly dirty. If anyone takes issue with it, well, I can tell them different reasons. It's friendlier to the environment, the clothing lasts longer, and stuff like that. Obviously (or maybe not), undergarments are changed daily; as are mask from when I wore them during the bulk of the pandemic. I'm more than a little grossed out by people wearing the same mask day after day without washing it.
I love night shirts for sleeping. They're loose and don't require any thought when I have to use the toilet in the middle of the night! Victorian nightclothes seem reasonable to me!
Not just dress shields, but removable collars and cuffs. Very practical. IIRC, the linen under layers were boiled? I think the loose linen provides much better hygiene than the modern underwear. More comfortable too. ....and people wonder why I go hiking in skirts.
I always hike in skirts too and people think it’s ridiculous! Lol
I agree with another commenter that today's modern fabrics cause odor to develop more quickly in clothing than natural fabrics would. I really enjoyed this video, and I am trying to incorporate more natural fabrics like cotton into my own wardrobe. I remember my mother wearing dress shields in her very nicest dresses. I think that was probably a very typical thing of her generation.
This was so so helpful!! I’d never thought of using dress shields. That’s a great idea! On another note, would it be too much to ask for a video on how you deal with menstruation in your historical garments? It would be very practical for those of us who want to wear historical clothing more frequently or as a part of our daily lives.
Thanks!! I’m glad it’s been so helpful 😊 I have definitely considered it, but it would certainly upset those who believe menstruation isn’t a natural process and is something taboo, so I definitely want to release a video on this topic, whilst recognising it will likely have some backlash from closed minded individuals 😂
When I looked I didn’t find a video on this topic. Did you decide it’s not worth the drama or are you still considering it as a possibility? I totally understand if it’s too much trouble!
Acrylic fabric or polyester used in most modern clothes react with skin in a way that actually creates body odor, if your dress is silk it is a whole different story, not to mention putting a hand sewn silk velvet dress in the washing machine will rip it to shreds, personally though I’d opt for just getting a bucket and gentle hand washing after every wear and hang dry
Thanks for your input, though I feel like this comment is a bit out of context? I mention a few times on my channel that I cannot wear synthetics due to skin sensitivity, so I don’t cover synthetics in this video, and I recommend dry cleaning most silks like taffeta. There are a few types that can actually be washed and I just use the gentle silk setting on the machine as it mimics hand washing. I would never put a hand sewn silk velvet dress in the washing machine, I wouldn’t even risk hand washing it personally.
As someone who is in the process of also building a "historical adjacent" wardrobe with the undergarments being the most period of the overall ensembles this has been such an amazing watch! I have been wondering how often I should be washing certain pieces and how and this has been immeasurably helpful - especially as I continue to make clothes and take considerations into what fibres I choose in the future. Thank you! x
I'm so happy to hear this has been helpful! Feel free to send me an email (you can find it on my channel 'about' section) if you need any further assistance 😊
Regarding deodorants: any type of zinc cream is amazingly effective, inexpensive, and mild enough to use on a baby’s bottom. You can buy a small tube in a drug store and give it a try. If it works well for you, you can buy in a larger jar and have enough for a very long time for about $8. I find I don’t even need to use it every day, it inhibits the growth of bacteria. It tends to be a bit thick but you can dab just a bit on your finger and spread it thinly. I’ll often apply it at night so it’s invisible by morning or right out of the shower when the residual moisture helps to spread it more thinly.
And it works really well as a sunscreen if you don’t fancy using the chemical heavy ones most shops sell. 😊
Dress shields! Ive been thinking how I could protect any historical/historybounding clothes I got and FINALLY I have a solution. Weird how Ive never come across them anywhere else. Thank you for the video/s! Ive binged a few and they are all just really nice
Dress shields are definitely your solution! I just made another pair for myself the other day 😊 Thanks for your comment and I'm glad you're enjoying the channel!
I´d love to see an updated version of your closet! you did a tour, but it´s a few years back, and i am sure your wardrobe has changed a lot over that time!
Thank you so much everyone for watching! If you wear/make historical clothing, do you wash yours in a similar way?
@@ylandrinschweitzer Thanks so much for sharing your process! I'm really so unfamiliar with men's historical clothing as it's not something I've had to acquaint myself with. That's very understandable with the work clothes as well to just wear them until they wear down. What centuries mainly do you choose to wear?
@@ylandrinschweitzer very fascinating! I do very much agree that the distinction between historical and modern can become irrelevant at some point, due to the fact too that a lot of contemporary styles anyways are often influenced by history. I know extremely little about fashion from any time period outside of the 18th-20th century (and mostly I just know a lot about 18th and 19th as that’s mainly what I choose to wear) so 12th and 13th century sounds quite mysterious to me (and it’s applications in everyday dress). I’d imagine though the simpler shapes, and it also being men’s clothing, would make care and construction so much easier though, as you don’t have to deal with endless silk trims and all of the other laces and frilly things that cover 18th-19th century fashion 😂 do you sew your own attire as well, or mainly source it from other tailors/sewists?
I wash woolens with Castile soap and cold water. Block sweaters on a towel. I like to use spices in my drawers, clove and cinnamon, all spice, dried lavender and balsam pine needles from dried up Christmas branches. Cedar chips are also nice smelling. You can make any combination. I wash silk scarves by hand in mild soap, woolite, dr. Bronners peppermint soap. Hang to dry. Magic spray sizing when you iron makes the silk crisp again.
Many similarities actually. I tend towards wearing layers of skirts for practicality an warmth so skirts between the skin base layer an the outer stay cleaner longer. I prefer linens an wools which partially lent to making my own clothes as I know the last longer, stay cleaner longer an repel odors.
I learned these things by experience of not having a way to launder as much an because of lifestyle I actually dress much like they did in 1400s. Though some of my outfits look prairie times, others ancient gypsy...as I said I'm scattered as far as styles go. Mostly due to my tastes or simply what I have to work with on hand. I also patch clothing an do visable mending to give clothing longer life which over time tends to give it character an a bit of a gypsy flair.
The vodka technique is one I've not heard of nor have I tried.
I would like to know more about a few items you've mentioned in videos what they are an purpose like dress sheilds. An how do you make or find a corset? I'd like to try it.
I've made a shift of sorts but I'd like to create one a bit lighter for summer. One is high quality cotton which is too warm for me. An the linen one is heavier linen so it too tends to be warmer than I like for summertime. Where does one find the more sheer light linen for a shift?
So helpful!!
I feel like I have a better idea of how to clean corsets for daily wear. If you ever made a step by step video, it would be really handy too! Thank you for sharing your wisdom & experiences!
Thanks for your comment Marie! I’m glad it was helpful. Cleaning them is actually supremely easy if they are made from cotton or linen (silk is a different story), so I’m not sure that it would be enough material to fill up a whole video. Of course follow the care instructions from your corsetmaker (if it’s been made by one) over the advice I give here, but what I do is:
Fill up a bathtub with cold/mildly lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent (I use Ecover for wools and silks).
Remove the laces. Then place your corset into the mixture and let it sit for a while and soak (30 mins-1 hour will do the trick).
Use a cloth to work on any stains or spots that need extra attention whilst it is in the water. Then finally once it’s clean, take it out of the water and shake out a little of the water and hang the corset to dry (on a towel rack for instance) until it’s dry and ready to wear!
With silk corsets, it’s better to spot clean them (depending on what type of silk it is) but perhaps some of them can be washed as well. It just really depends on the corset.
11:53 the Victorians agreed with you! There are many manuals from the 1850s to the 1910s that say not to cut a skirt longer than the top of the shoe. *Even if* longer skirts with trains are in fashion, apparently, they are in bad taste, and any woman who wants a versatile wardrobe should avoid them.
I definitely need to make some dress shields, they'd be great for less washable jackets!
Saw your lyrics from the Eminem medieval comment. First time I ever visited someone's channel because of their comments. This is very interesting!!!
Thanks so much for visiting! It's much appreciated!
As someone whose collars and cuffs frequently also get dirty, having a removable linen or cotton lace cuff on my silk dress or a removable undersleeve that I can unbaste and wash has saved me such headache. But i still could never be trusted with silk taffeta 😭
All of those historical UA-camr as you have change my way of cleaning and taking care of my clothes. I was sad to see my favorite cloths having time damage and the cost of washing clothes was hight. I now use layer, hang my clothes between uses, protect them with aprons and reinforce them at strategic areas. They are much more beautifull and I have now more space. Washing is so simple now!
That’s so awesome to hear! 😊
I love this! Very helpful
Thank you, this is very helpful. I'm trying to wear historical belle clothes for every day.
Thanks for this oh so useful guide, and the link to the dress shield tutorial.
Exactly the video I needed. Thank you so much! Very helpful and well explained 🙏❤️
Your videos are so helpful, thank you for making them
My pleasure! Thanks for your lovely comment 😊
Its funny to have this laid out and see how similar it is to my own procesa even though i didnt realize it before. I wear religious garmenta under my bras and shirts, so it works like a shift and absorbs all the sweat for me. I wash my whites after each wear, but i inspect the condition of the outer piece after i wear it to decide if it needs washing. As such my bras only get washed once a month or so, skirts every 4-ish wears, shirts every other wear, etc. People think this is an oppressive laundry schedule, but its very easy to get used to and works just fine for me.
extremely helpful information. thank you for sharing
My pleasure! Thanks for watching 😊
This might be a bit personal so my apologies. You mentioned wearing bloomers upon occasion. What do you do for mensuration? Does your wardrobe change at all to accommodate this?
I’m happy to answer these questions as I think menstruation is a very natural thing that should be talked about. I have made a series of 18th century style period aprons, they are heavily gathered diaper weave linen and attach to ties and go under everything, and I also use a modern day menstrual cup, so my wardrobe doesn’t change at all.
Also thank you for making this. I have been wondering how best to wash historical garments since I became interested in doing this though I am no where near even a full outfit yet
My pleasure! It is one of those things I think that seems like a mystery until someone explains haha
I just found your channel and I'm slowly making my way through all you videos. It's so interesting to hear thus from a historical perspective, as I was raised to wear things until they were actually dirty - undergarments to coats. I've recently been trying to get more organic undergarments, especially Marino wool, as they last longer and are usually more comfortable. 🙃
Welcome to the channel! 🥰 merino wool is lovely, so soft as well. Eastern Europe has a long standing tradition of wool undergarments, though usually much scratchier versions, so I’m sure merino would be very comfy.
Very very informative. I still wonder what women did during their period. My mother said they wore rags but how did they hold them up? Also, I thought people bathed rarely but washed themselves in a basin. Calling the washing tops and tails. There is a proper order to washing yourself standing up with a basin. Hands, face, wrists, arms, then underarms, neck, crotch, behind. Feet are last. Hair was washed separately. Often dried in the sunshine in warm weather, in winter by the fire.
That would be interesting cleanliness throughout history. Thank so much.
Thanks for watching!
Abby Cox has a good video on what women did during their periods. I personally wear an apron of sorts that I made out of a diaper weave linen and it ties to my high waist under my petticoats. It works extremely well and then I just disinfect it at high temps in the wash or by boiling. I also use a menstrual cup which is of course more modern. By the late Victorian period, they had a garter belt type system that would attach at the waist as well, and the “pads” could be clipped on and off. There’s also ideas that in earlier history, women didn’t menstruate as much because they were very often pregnant, or they could have as well been malnourished/stressed/etc. in many instances (especially working class) so they may have had far lighter periods overall than we do today. There’s a lot of interesting analysis on this topic! 😊
@@VBirchwood I'm sorry for asking, but do you use the (I supose small) apron going through your legs and upwards into the ties? More or less a roman underwear of sorts?
17:03 I love how deadpan your facial expression is here. I can see why you need to add that. Sometimes people who are interested in history try historical methods for cleaning themselves; like I remember Abby Cox has talked about using hair powder to keep her hair clean before, and Bernadette Banner did a video where she washed her hair with eggs.
Hahaha thank you! It’s great how many people have tried them out themselves. I actually wash my hair with eggs as a regular practice (rather than shampoo) and have for a while and this is a Victorian thing it turns out as egg was used a lot as shampoo. I have a video about it showing my routine on my channel if you search “egg” 😊
Super fascinating!
Thank you so much! Wasn’t expecting a Stocks channel to be on this corner of the internet, but it is much appreciated 😊
@@VBirchwood i wasn’t expecting your channel on UA-cam, it’s wonderful!
@@LucidTrading Thank you! Happy to have you here!
This is such an informative video, and actually helpful for people that struggle with sweating and want to both wear historical clothes and maintain proper hygiene.
I have several questions:
Could you give some examples of how you treat spots on outergarments (what cleaning solutions you use, soaking time or other such details)?
Are there undergarments for peeps that sweat profusely in the armpit area and crotch area, especially under clothes such as short-sleeved blouses (e.g. 1940s short-sleeved blouse), or slightly loose trousers (e.g. 1890 trousers for men)?
Would an altered chemise (with shorter sleeves and length) work for wearing underneath a short-sleeved blouse?
Would it make sense to attach the dress guards to an undergarment (instead of the outergarment), for extra protection?
Finally, how to get our hands on a chemise or shift? Do you know any accessible online shops that carry them? Is it actually easier to sew your own chemise/shift? If yes, do you know any sewing patterns for them (especially for a beginner)?
Thanks!
Cool 😀
Care of these items is always missed...you get extra points for covering!!!
Thank you!
I know many costumers in plays etc use the practice of also spraying many garments with vodka or rubbing alcohol to get rid of the funk under the pits or cooking smells like you said. I've had a pair of stays for a decade and never washed them because it was worn over a blouse only for Renfest couple days . . I haven't washed my ski coat in years.. probably needs a good wash eep. my wool I don't wash often. my linen shifts for bed I wear on top my undergarments they get washed at the end of the week and I have two of them . underwear get changed daily and washed every week. bras get washed every other week except for my sports bras.
Thanks for sharing your own system for laundry! It's fun to see how varied each individual's routine can be, but what's great is we each do what works for us 😊
love this vid. this is why I am avoiding silk. Cotton, linen and wool for me please.
I have a questions about the vodka. Is it possible to just use isopropyl alcohol instead of vodka? I just don't drink and don't feel like buying vodka haha.
Thank you Renee!
I don't drink much either, so I understand (it was quite odd buying vodka lol). I am assuming yes that it is perfectly fine to use isopropyl alcohol, though I would maybe look for a 60% or something like that, as that way it isn't as harsh on your clothing, and I'd recommend maybe swatch testing first if possible to make sure. I've never cleaned clothes myself with isopropyl, but I don't see why a low-strength wouldn't work the same 😊
@@VBirchwood okay! Yeah testing first sounds like a good idea! :)
@@ReneeneeP I tried googling around for some more info, but it doesn't look like there is much available about people trying this. I just can't really think why it wouldn't be okay, since vodka is like a low-strength, made-for-human consumption rubbing alcohol anyways 😂
@@VBirchwood Just do a half'n'half with isopropyl alcohol - or even just regular rubbing alcohol - and it works quite well.
And these days, when we all have it - or should perhaps have it? - alcohol-based hand sanitiser can often be used as well. But test it... Not all brands are the same.
Many would call my garments historical or rather ancient times for some of them. I'm a bit scattered in various time periods for different garments. While I did purposely make 3 garments as a study on ancient clothing an to learn something specific others were quarreling about. I did not actually purposefully set out to make & wear historical clothing. It just sort of happened more due to necessity, practically an frugality.
Due to both frugality and meager income I began making my own clothing. I've darned socks an mended clothes many years an even made children's clothing for some reason I never thought to make my own till a few years ago. Wish I'd had the epiphany years ago as I went many years without being able to buy clothes an definitely not what I wanted or needed.
When I started Wearing long skirts I learned a lot an found I enjoyed wearing skirts. There were so many perks for me I wondered why they ever got the boot. Winter posed an issue but not for long I quickly realized it was easy to simply add another skirt for more warmth. This is impossible to do with jeans.
Many women think I must be freezing in wintertime due to skirts but I'm warmer due to being able to layer an body heat accumulates like a mini heated room.
I've spent so much time out of doors an learning how to dress for it that it saves on heating costs as well to simply dress for the weather. The more I learn the more I think our so-called progress in many ways is actually backwards.
There are definitely many practical things we can learn from historical practice! I very much feel the same way about long skirts, and just wearing historical fashion in general, even though people very often think I’m only making my life more complicated, which isn’t at all the case.
@@VBirchwood I experience the same as well. In winter I constantly hear you must be cold! Only if I don't have adequate layers. I tend towards natural fibers wool in winter which most seem to detest...Only issue I've found is they keep most indoor spaces so warm in winter it's difficult to stay indoors for long unless I can take a few layers off! Linen I like as well it's a bit spendy though. I did manage to take a 22w linen pant suit set an turned it into a dress/shift of sorts several sizes smaller. Unfortunately someone stole it.
Another told me recently that I was making my wardrobe too complicated...this because of the shift an sucote apron dress... incidentally in so many ways it makes my life much simpler.
Thank you so much for this video! Everything from the UK based fabric shops to the frequency of washes and temperature used was incredibly helpful.
If it’s not too personal, do you live in the UK?
I’m glad it was helpful Raych! I do indeed live in the U.K. 😊
@@VBirchwood awesome. I love the world wide HB community of course, but it’s extra lovely to come across a content creator who lives in my homeland. I’ve dabbled for a couple of years but am capsuling my wardrobe down now. It currently holds too many clothes, from 1890’s to 1950’s and a couple of pairs of leggings/t-shirts to mess about with my mini Shetland. I’m currently making a medieval dress and will be making my first pair of nalbinded socks after Christmas.
That’s lovely that you’re in the U.K. as well. Your current sewing project sounds like a lot of fun!
Vasi: "give me the strongest vodka, that you have!"
Store clerk:👀
Your secret is here by exposed by rival channels.haha jk
I can see why Victorian people were so dignified. Those clothes took a lot to clean.
This scenario actually did happen though. And I don’t drink often so it was a strange feeling going in and asking for the strongest vodka haha. If they had the money, most Victorians (middle and upper class) would have had staff that cleaned their clothes for them. Poorer classes typically owned fewer clothes. Since machines weren’t invented too, the cleaning process was far more laborious. We have it easy now when it comes to clothes cleaning!
I'm grateful I'm not in the Victorian era for dental reasons alone. I actually wonder about what poor folk had in terms of clothes, thanks Vasi. I also don't drink. I just don't find alcohol to be good. It's just overrated in my opinion. Your close to 1k 🚀🚀🚀🚀
@@UNknown-sd3ki dentistry back then must have been a horrific experience honestly. It’s not even fun for people now lol. To each their own of course with alcohol and I totally understand why some people enjoy it, but there’s definitely a lot of pressure in many places to drink just to drink. Unlike you, I enjoy the taste of certain alcohols, I just find that it greatly impacts my mental health so I don’t consume it often. And thanks so much! I’m very excited.
True haha
do have how to for like historical patterns and hand sewing? would love a sew along
I have two how-to sewing tutorials at the moment, one for an 18th century petticoat and one for a Victorian apron. I have a playlist on my channel which is for hand sewing tutorials 😊
I literally was making some food as you uploaded hehe. I think it seems really logical what you said but often when it comes to historical fashion many people seem to think that cleaning them is soooo much work. In today's sociaty we are not used to care anymore about our clothing. If it's not trendy anymore or has some damage like holes the garments just ends up in endless spaces of a wardrobe..
For myself (as a college student) i can say that i just prolonging the phase of not pushing my clothes in the washing machine simply by just leaving them hanging in the fresh air. I noticed that the smells are always gone after some time. Maybe i can use vodka as well. My boyfriend would be rofl if he knew i would use vodka for this. ;) But i'm a person, who does not do much exercises and i'm vegetarian/vegan so that helps a lot.
If you dont mind, i have a private question. Do you wear underwear like undies? I guess you not wearing a bra because you wearing a corset everyday (?) I saw once the video of Bernadette where she explains how to pee in the mid 18th-century.
Anyways it was a really interesting view! Thank you for making such videos like this. :)
Hi Pati!
Great timing then 😊
Definitely clothes tend to be thrown away a lot more now rather than mended, altered, etc. Historical clothes can be time consuming though to make and the materials and labour can sometimes be (understandably) expensive when buying them from other dressmakers, so I think that naturally makes one want to protect and take care of them as long as possible (at least that’s my experience but that could certainly be different for others).
Airing out is a great trick as you say, but yes try the vodka and let me know how it goes! It’s a funny use for an alcoholic drink 😂
I had a feeling someone would ask the underwear question haha! I’m amazed that it was the first comment 😉 if I am wearing split crotch drawers (as are typical with later Victorian styles) I do not, but sometimes just for my own comfort or if it’s my moon cycle then I will, though I try to choose something more natural and breathable like simple linen or cotton. It really just depends on if I’m going anywhere that day along with what the rest of the outfit is. I think within the historical costuming community generally there’s a mix of those who do and don’t wear contemporary underpants, and that’s just solely up to the personal comfort of each individual, as both options are very manageable. At least with all of the skirts though, you don’t typically get cold on the bottom half of your body, as long as there are enough layers.
Thanks so much for watching and for your comment 🥰
@@VBirchwoodThx for your answer! I actually had to google "split crotch drawers" because i never heard of those. I'm only following english people when it comes to historical fashion i still have to learn all the specific terms for clothing items, sewing items etc. :D because in german speaking countries it's just not a thing.
@@patim7902 my pleasure! I can imagine the terminology is completely different in German. Is there some type of name for split crotch drawers?
@@VBirchwood I found the term "Brunzhose". "Brunz" or "brunzen" is a colloquial word, mostly used in South Germany, Austria and Switzerland, for peeing. "Hose" means trousers or pants. So if you directly translate this, it would mean "peeing pants". But if you google...no actually dont do it. XD
@@patim7902 HAHAHAHA I mean that’s a pretty accurate translation though, as the whole reason the slit exists is so that one can pee easily 😂
If anyone is thinking about trying cheap tequila instead of vodka - don't. Ask me how I know...
The material in the shift makes a huge difference for how often you need to wash them. My cotton shifts often smell of sweat after one use, but the linnen (remie) one hasn't smelled even after 3 days in 30°C weather. Linnen is more breathable, feel cooler and has some antibacrerial properties so it is the supperior material for underwear.
Sprinkling with cornstarch mixed with coconut powder...humm i do it for my regular clothes..i like the way smell afterwards..and i switched from Vodka to witch hazel..i like the smell..too
Witch hazel is lovely 😊
I use a cornstarch product on my feet to keep them dry, every day. Mixing it with coconut powder would give a lovely fragrance!
Could the mixture be used as a dry shampoo/hair refresher too, do you think, as cornstarch absorbs oils so well? There is so much knowledge lost to us in these "enlightened" days!
подмышечник это спасение!
Да я очень согласна, они спасают!
THANK YOU! I have been wondering about this for ages. Although it still doesn’t address my main concern which is that I’m a pig. I basically ending up wearing whatever I ate that day no matter how ladylike I try to eat. I am less concerned about undergarments and more getting food or dirt on outer garments. How do you spot treat silk taffeta if you can’t get it wet? What happens if you get rained on?
This might sound funny, but a bib lol. It really does work. At restaurants for instance, just tucking the cloth napkin in at the neckline, same with at home. It works like a charm. Taffeta can get a little wet, basically it just can't be submerged in water. So with rain, there's usually some type of wool outer garment because silk taffeta isn't the most suitable for hot weather, so the wool helps to protect it from getting very, very soaked. It can get some water on it though. And with spot cleaning for silk, vodka does the trick in a spray bottle (rubbing alcohol would work too) and the alcohol evaporates so it doesn't really leave the material wet.
Gosh this is really helpful, thank you! Maybe I can dress historical after all
@@blainesaunders3616 This is such an interesting discussion within a really interesting subject!
Worry not, Blaine, you're not the only person who wears as much as they eat... I'm heading towards 60 (how did *that* happen?!) and I still marvel at the amount of food I manage to drop on myself and my clothes. What will it be like when I'm in my dotage?! And yes, V's suggestion of a bib is what I do when I'm out: I've made myself some nice roomy linen handkerchiefs which, if clean, can double up as a bib and not look too ridiculous. I've not graduated to elasticated terry towelling -- yet.
Try some creed fragrances they have a touch of history
Thanks for the recommendation!
Thank you, for this video! I am making a Victorian dress and was thinking: how am I going to clean this?
My pleasure! Happy sewing and let me know if you need any more tips on how to clean it 😊
Can you use the vodka on wool or silk or only cotton and linen? Thanks
I use it on all, but this isn't professional advice and I'm not responsible if any damage occurs to your fabric. Every fabric will react differently so it's good to do a spot test somewhere discreet first.
@@VBirchwood thanks dear!!!
I have question dear, for the wool. When you use the wool cycle of the laundry machine, can you put more than one piece? That cannt felt the items? I’m always scare of wool . Can you let me know? Thanks ❤
I've always put in more than one piece as it's meant to handle a load of laundry, but again, not professional advice and I'm not liable 😊
@@VBirchwood thanks again!!
How do you keep track of what wear a garment is on?
My clothes are usually pretty seasonal, so there will generally be 4 or so sets of things that I wear for each season and with regards to undergarments, I’ll just wear them until it’s time for them to be cleaned. I can usually tell just through intuition. Smell also helps haha
Where do you get your stockings from?
Either from Penny River Costumes, Darcy Clothing, Nehelenia Patterns, or American Duchess. Quite a few other places sell them too!
@@VBirchwood thank you!
Please do a video about you/things we don't know about you!
I’m planning a Q&A at either 7500 or 10000 subs 😊
Question what do u do or use for your period? If u dont mind me asking. I was just wondering
I use the menstrual cup, and recently I’ve gotten into making some 18th century style aprons (similar to the one Abby Cox made in her period video) 😊
I loaned my vintage dress to my daughter, and she had it near sunlight so part of the dress has faded. What can I do to bring the color back? I thought to let it soak in black dye with cold water as hot water will damage the old material which is 100 years old. Any thoughts or ideas??
Hi Gloria,
From what I've read, if you dye it black, all the other deeper dyed areas will just turn darker, so that may not work. Sometimes soaking it in coffee can help if it's a black garment, but generally sun damage can be a bit difficult to reverse.
@@VBirchwood ...Thank you for your advice, I will dry dark coffee to see if this will help.
When I was a kid I did a lot of silk painting, these colours are liquid and only need to be ironed in and then washed out once in cold water- they are available in most craft stores and can be more easyly dosed than RIT Dye or simplicol.
However I let a green silk kimono in the sun just like your daughter did and the folded edges are lighter now.. but it does not really look bad and gives the piece some kind of history like when you see an obviously mended area on someones clothes (I just love to see a bit of wear and tear and repairations done). Sometimed just embracing the imperfections makes the whole thing more unique.
since I found your channel a day ago, all I am thinking about is
how you clean IN your historical clothes? 😅
Welcome to the channel! You just clean 😅 I do everything in my historical garments that I would in modern garments. I wear a lot of working class clothes these days too.
What would happen if I used rubbing alcohol instead of vodka?
Could nursing pads be used as dress shields? 🤔
I don't see why not! That's actually a really great idea!
Ah, yes, nursing pads can be sewn and washed, can't they. I'm afraid I've only ever used disposable ones as we weren't so sustainability minded in those days.
seems you would benefit from a hedge or lawn to lay your linen , cotton and wools out between wears so the fresh air and sun can purify them as would be traditional. You are certainly washing them far more often than was normal when I was a child 60 years ago and I'm surprised you use a machine for wools and silks when hand washing is so easy and authentic. Ecover has dubious connections with animal testing by the way and more ethical substances can be found, why not soap as was used authenticly ? Try fullers earth . But a good start to counter the fools who wear synthetics and then wonder why they sweat and smell and then cost us the planet with their laundry excesses
Hi Cadi. I am not a traditionalist so I don't mind using more contemporary methods to do things like clothes washing, especially when they are done mindfully or purposefully. For example, I don't like to wash my clothes with just soap bars or liquid, as I am far more comfortable using sustainable products (even soap nuts for instance). Thanks for the heads up about Ecover. I guess they were bought up by a company that is bigger and does do animal testing, but Ecover itself doesn't. Luckily, I only use a couple of products of theirs, and the rest is from smaller, local brands. While I understand the ethical and sustainability concerns regarding the wearing of synthetics, I don't like to call anyone a "fool" because the reality is, a lot of us are just doing our very best, and many things have different sides to the coin. Many people, as well, cannot afford clothing made from natural fibres, in particular those who are living in poverty. That doesn't necessarily mean though that someone isn't taking care of their clothes. Where I take issue with synthetics is when someone does definitely have the finances to choose more ethical clothing, and instead, they go on thousand dollar fast-fashion shopping sprees. I try to take a compassionate approach with this all because you never know someone's story or their background. It's just about bringing more awareness to these issues and doing the very best we can with the resources and information we have (in my opinion). Thank you for your comment!
@@VBirchwood charity shops are where I buy textiles. I bought a tan coloured cotton sheet today for £1,50 from oxfam and there are heaps of second hand hardly worn garments in linen and wool too so there is no excuse for squandering the resources this planet we need to survive.
I am old enough to call a person a fool as a shock tactic ,but in a kindly manner if to their face which is different from generalising . My experience is that people don't mind harsh words and take on one's message because they want to feel they are the wise ones who don't do foolish things and that changes their behavior. I am the teacher who puts on the report 'Tries hard but can easily do better'
Some people live very, very rurally and don’t have close access to charity shops, and perhaps can’t afford transport to get to their charity shops. Charity shops also aren’t super affordable in many parts of the world. The U.K. is very privileged to have great, cheap charity shops, but places I’ve been to in russia definitely don’t have these, and some areas are so rural that my family has lived in, that the nearest store is a 5 hour drive away. Charity shops also include many synthetic fibres, which will go to the landfill if not worn anyways, and wasting those synthetics would be a shame and also have an environmental impact. There are so many different scenarios.
Every single human in the world does “foolish” things at times, and that’s part of being human. We always all have room for improvement, but my own approach is to offer solutions and suggestions as education and then people ultimately have to go and make their own choices and decisions, which is the beauty of freewill. Additionally, I think it’s important to acknowledge where everyone is at and that it’s a process, but nothing to feel ashamed of. We are all in our own place in life, and that’s okay.
I watched this whole video then asked myself. I wonder what do her clothes smell like before she wash them😂😂😂😂😂 think about it! Her natural oder could different from most women. Her ph balance is balanced!
Um interesting comment to get 😂
How did come to this conclusion about her pH?
@@EXO-L45 from my scientific hypotheses 🗒🗜 wearing natural clothing and eating from a garden to which you grow your own food signals a woman far superior to the average McDonald's eating taco bell smacking young lady. Respectfully my dearest! ❤❤
@@joe_kahn2356 Yes, eating natural organic food is good for the body. Your reply makes sense ☺️
@@EXO-L45 i love your energy😍